Code 1 Aviation premieres

A group of industry experts with more than 80 years of experience has formed a new company, Code 1 Aviation, at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Florida, home to the Sun ’n Fun fly-in, to provide maintenance, restoration, avionics, sales, training and consulting services for owners of Warbirds.

“We have the knowledge and skills to keep these special aircraft flying safely,” said Nathan Jones, president of the new company. “Our team is energetic and enthusiastic about their role in creating award-winning, beautiful aircraft – but also aircraft that are safe and reliable for their owners.”

“Code 1” is a military aviation term for an aircraft that is in perfect condition, and is ready to fly with no discrepancies, he said. “The name exemplifies the perfection and high level of quality that we try to bring to everything we do,” Jones explained.

Code 1’s specialists have decades of experience with aircraft as diverse as the L-39 Albatros, T-28 Trojan, P-51 Mustang, T-34 Mentor, T-6 Texan, Vietnam-era observation aircraft such as the OV-1 and L-19, MiGs and various other Eastern-bloc fighters and trainers, and even helicopters, he said.

The company is affiliated with the Black Diamonds aerobatic team, which is also based at LAL, providing the heavy maintenance for the team.

“Our team includes structural and sheet metal specialists, avionics and systems technicians, engine and airframe mechanics, and more,” said Jones. “We can also provide import/export services, crating and shipping and other specialty services. We know how to get through the governmental maze of regulations and procedures that accompany such tasks.”

Code 1 Aviation will also provides aircraft sales and brokering for Warbird owners, and those who are in the market for an aircraft.

“These aircraft are a really special, niche market — and it’s a market we know well. We look forward to working with customers who want a friendly, knowledgeable, experienced team on their side,” said Jones. “Our customers are like family to us.”